It's no suprise, North Carolina has a thriving film industry that has attracted major Hollywood productions, independent films, and television shows. The state’s diverse landscapes from cities to forests to forms to beachtowns and mountain villages, Talented casts and hollywood standard crews, and Film Incentives have rival Georgia's, made it a prime destination for filmmakers.
North Carolina’s film industry began to flourish in the late 1980s and early 1990s with films like "Bull Durham" and "Dirty Dancing." Since then, the state has played host to a wide range of productions, from blockbuster films like "The Hunger Games" and "Iron Man 3" to critically acclaimed independent films like "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" and "The Peanut Butter Falcon."
Any location scout could tell you that one of the key factors that has helped North Carolina become a hub for film production is the state’s varied landscapes. From the mountains in the west to the beaches in the east, North Carolina offers filmmakers a range of locations that can stand in for everything from small towns to big cities. The state also has a number of historic sites, parks, and other natural attractions that can serve as backdrops for film and television productions.
In addition to its varied landscapes, North Carolina has a deep pool of experienced crew members who are well-versed in all aspects of film and television production. Many of these crew members have worked on major Hollywood productions and have experience in everything from set design and construction to lighting and sound.
North Carolina also offers competitive incentives to filmmakers, which has helped attract major productions to the state. The state’s film incentive program provides a refundable tax credit of up to 25% on qualified expenses incurred during production. This incentive has helped bring millions of dollars in investment to the state, creating jobs and boosting local economies.
Despite the success of North Carolina’s film industry, the state faced a setback in 2014 when the state legislature allowed the state’s film incentive program to expire. In response, many film and television productions moved to other states with more competitive incentives. However, in 2021, North Carolina passed a new film incentive program that offers a 25% rebate on qualified expenses, as well as additional bonuses for productions that hire local crew members and use local vendors.
Looking forward, North Carolina’s film industry appears to be poised for continued growth. The state’s combination of diverse landscapes, experienced crews, and competitive incentives make it an attractive destination for filmmakers from around the world. As North Carolina continues to invest in its film industry, it is likely that the state will continue to be a major player in the global film and television industry for years to come.